The dissertation focuses on the analysis and design for the new fiber-optic passive components based on the photonic-crystal-fiber (PCF). The vector boundary element method (VBEM) and the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method are employed to the propagation characteristics of PCF components. A novel octagonal microstructured fiber (OMF) with eight air-holes in the first ring has been proposed. The OMF has significantly wider wavelength range for single-mode operation, more circular-like field distribution, and less confinement loss. In addition, a novel compact polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on the twin-elliptical-core PCF (TEC-PCF) has also been proposed. It behaves with high extinction ration and broad bandwidth with significantly short splitter length. The design concept and the coupling mechanism are presented in this dissertation based on the normal-mode coupling theory and VBEM.

First, one of the purposes of this thesis is to estimate the complete crosstalk effects including the package and the pads on the surface acoustic wave (SAW) substrate. A new approach based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) with equivalent current source method is applied. Two kinds of patterns of one-port SAW resonators with the same package structure and inter-digital transducer (IDT) design are studied. Verification with the measurement results shows that our method is able to obtain good agreement and be used to observe the influence from the SAW pattern. Second, the equivalent current source method is extended to model the excitation of human-body¡¦s electrostatic discharge (ESD) situations. The efficiencies of sacrificial electrodes are also discussed. Finally, a novel sacrificial electrode with fractal to protect SAW devices from ESD break is proposed. Comparing with traditional electrode, the simulation results show that fractal can improve the protective efficiency greatly. Finally, a novel analysis model that can be used to analyze and optimize the impedance of an RFID transponder integrated circuit (IC) which uses backscatter encoding based on simultaneously maintaining the BER of the reader and maximizing the received power of the transponder IC is proposed. The analysis method utilizes mapping from signal constellation of the backscattered signal to the Smith chart to relate the two parameters. Given the system specification and characteristics of the reader and transponder antennas, the optimum impedances of transponder IC for binary communication system can be easily designed by using this model.

This thesis focuses on the modeling and solutions of the simultaneous switching noise (SSN) problems in the power delivery networks (PDN) of high-speed digital circuit packages. An efficient numerical approach based on two-dimension (2D) finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method combined with the lumped circuit model of the interconnection is proposed to model the PDN of a package and PCB. Based on this approach, the mechanism of noise coupling between package and PCB can be analyzed. In addition, a novel photonic crystal power layer (PCPL) design for the PDN of the package or PCB is proposed to suppress the SSN. The periodic High-Dk material is embedded into the substrate layer between the power and ground planes. Both modeling and measurement demonstrate the PCPL can form a wide stopband well with excellent suppression of the SSN propagation in the substrate and the corresponding electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The objective of this research is to present a set of powerful simulation, design, and characterization tools suitable for studying novel nanophotonic devices. The simulation tools include a three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain code adapted for parallel computing that allows for a wide range of simulation conditions and material properties to be studied, as well as a semi-analytical Green's function-based complex mode technique for studying loss in photonic crystal waveguides. The design tools consist of multifunctional photonic crystal-based template that has been simulated with nonlinear effects and measured experimentally, and planar slab waveguide structure that provides highly efficient second harmonic generation is a chip-scale device suitable for photonic integrated circuit applications. The characterization tool is composed of a phase-sensitive measurement system using a lock-in amplifier and high-precision optical stages, suitable for probing the optical characteristics of nanoscale devices. The high signal-to-noise ratio and phase shift data provided by the lock-in amplifier allow for accurate transmission measurements as well as a phase spectrum that contains information about the propagation behavior of the device beyond what is provided by the amplitude spectrum alone.

This research aims to develop a low-frequency response control methodology capable of delivering a consistent spectral and temporal response over a wide listening area. Low-frequency room acoustics are naturally plagued by room-modes, a result of standing waves at frequencies with wavelengths that are integer multiples of one or more room dimension. The standing wave pattern is different for each modal frequency, causing a complicated sound field exhibiting a highly position-dependent frequency response. Enhanced systems are investigated with multiple degrees of freedom (independently-controllable sound radiating sources) to provide adequate low-frequency response control. The proposed solution, termed a chameleon subwoofer array or CSA, adopts the most advantageous aspects of existing room-mode correction methodologies while emphasizing efficiency and practicality. Multiple degrees of freedom are ideally achieved by employing what is designated a hybrid subwoofer, which provides four orthogonal degrees of freedom configured within a modest-sized enclosure. The CSA software algorithm integrates both objective and subjective measures to address listener preferences including the possibility of individual real-time control. CSAs and existing techniques are evaluated within a novel acoustical modeling system (FDTD simulation toolbox) developed to meet the requirements of this research. Extensive virtual development of CSAs has led to experimentation using a prototype hybrid subwoofer. The resulting performance is in line with the simulations, whereby variance across a wide listening area is reduced by over 50% with only four degrees of freedom. A supplemental novel correction algorithm addresses correction issues at select narrow frequency bands. These frequencies are filtered from the signal and replaced using virtual bass to maintain all aural information, a psychoacoustical effect giving the impression of low-frequency. Virtual bass is synthesized using an original hybrid approach combining two mainstream synthesis procedures while suppressing each method‟s inherent weaknesses. This algorithm is demonstrated to improve CSA output efficiency while maintaining acceptable subjective performance.

This thesis reports on the application of ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a non-destructive technique for the monitoring of ring separation in brick masonry arch bridges. In addition, research is reported on the assessment of the clay capping layer often used in construction as a waterproof backing to arches. The thrust of the research is numerical modelling, verified by large laboratory experiments. Due to the heterogeneity of these structures, the resultant signals from the interaction between the GPR system and the bridge are often complex and hence, hard to interpret. This highlighted the need to create a GPR numerical model that would allow the study of the attributes of reflected signals from various targets within the structure of the bridge. The GPR numerical analysis was undertaken using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. Since micro regions in the bridge structure need to be modelled, the introduction of subgrids of supporting finer spatial resolution into the standard FDTD method was considered essential in order to economise on the required computational resources. In the main part of this thesis, it is demonstrated how realistic numerical modelling of GPR using the FDTD method could greatly benefit from the implementation of subgrids into the conventional FDTD mesh. This is particularly important when (a) parts of the computational domain need to be modelled in detail (i.e., ring separation between the mortar layers and the brick units, which is the case studied in this thesis); and also (b) when there are features or regions in the overall computational mesh with values of high relative permittivity supporting propagation of waves at very short wavelengths. A scheme is presented that simplifies the process of implementing these subgrids into the traditional FDTD method. This scheme is based on the combination of the standard FDTD method and the unconditionally stable alternating-direction implicit (ADI) FDTD technique. Given that ADI-FDTD is unconditionally stable, its time-step can be set to any value that facilitates the accurate calculation of the electromagnetic fields. By doing so, the two grids can efficiently communicate information across their boundary without requiring to use a time-interpolation scheme. The performance of ADI-FDTD subgrids when implemented into the traditional FDTD method is discussed herein. The developed algorithm can handle cases where the subgrid crosses dielectrically inhomogeneous and/or conductive media. In addition, results from the comparison between the proposed scheme and a commonly employed purely FDTD subgridding technique are presented. After determination of the optimum ADI-FDTD scheme, numerical experiments were conducted and calibrated using GPR laboratory experiments. Good correlations were obtained between the numerical experiments and the actual GPR experiments. It was shown both numerically and experimentally that significant mortar loss between the masonry arch rings can be detected. Dry hairline delaminations between the mortar and the brick masonry are difficult to detect using standard GPR procedures. However, hairline faults containing water produce distinct and detectable GPR responses. In addition, the clay layer was successfully identified and its thickness calculated to a satisfactory accuracy.

Neste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento de programa para cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos baseado no método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). O programa é aplicado no cálculo da Taxa de Absorção Específica (“Specific Absortion Rate” – SAR) em modelos de cabeça de adulto e criança usuários de telefone celular. Para a modelagem da cabeça da criança é feita análise detalhada das principais diferenças das características de cabeças de adulto e criança. Também é desenvolvido um programa para o cálculo do aumento de temperatura relacionado com a Taxa de Absorção Especifica. Os resultados são comparados com dados de outros autores, bem como com as normas relativas a níveis de exposição a ondas eletromagnéticas. / The development of software to compute the electromagnetic fields employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This software is used to estimate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in head models of child and adult users of cell phones. A detailed analysis of the main differences between child and adult heads is made in order to model the child head. Software to compute the temperature rise related with the calculated SAR is also developed. The results are compared with results obtained by others authors, as well as with electromagnetic field exposure guidelines.

Neste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento de programa para cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos baseado no método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). O programa é aplicado no cálculo da Taxa de Absorção Específica (“Specific Absortion Rate” – SAR) em modelos de cabeça de adulto e criança usuários de telefone celular. Para a modelagem da cabeça da criança é feita análise detalhada das principais diferenças das características de cabeças de adulto e criança. Também é desenvolvido um programa para o cálculo do aumento de temperatura relacionado com a Taxa de Absorção Especifica. Os resultados são comparados com dados de outros autores, bem como com as normas relativas a níveis de exposição a ondas eletromagnéticas. / The development of software to compute the electromagnetic fields employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This software is used to estimate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in head models of child and adult users of cell phones. A detailed analysis of the main differences between child and adult heads is made in order to model the child head. Software to compute the temperature rise related with the calculated SAR is also developed. The results are compared with results obtained by others authors, as well as with electromagnetic field exposure guidelines.

Neste trabalho é apresentado o desenvolvimento de programa para cálculo de campos eletromagnéticos baseado no método das Diferenças Finitas no Domínio do Tempo (FDTD). O programa é aplicado no cálculo da Taxa de Absorção Específica (“Specific Absortion Rate” – SAR) em modelos de cabeça de adulto e criança usuários de telefone celular. Para a modelagem da cabeça da criança é feita análise detalhada das principais diferenças das características de cabeças de adulto e criança. Também é desenvolvido um programa para o cálculo do aumento de temperatura relacionado com a Taxa de Absorção Especifica. Os resultados são comparados com dados de outros autores, bem como com as normas relativas a níveis de exposição a ondas eletromagnéticas. / The development of software to compute the electromagnetic fields employing the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is shown in this work. This software is used to estimate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in head models of child and adult users of cell phones. A detailed analysis of the main differences between child and adult heads is made in order to model the child head. Software to compute the temperature rise related with the calculated SAR is also developed. The results are compared with results obtained by others authors, as well as with electromagnetic field exposure guidelines.

Computer simulation of electromagnetic behaviour of a device is a common practice in modern engineering. Maxwell's equations are solved on a computer with help of numerical methods. Contemporary devices constantly grow in size and complexity. Therefore, new numerical methods should be highly efficient. Many industrial and research applications of numerical methods need to account for the frequency dependent materials. The Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method is one of the most widely adopted algorithms for the numerical solution of Maxwell's equations. A major drawback of the FDTD method is the interdependence of the spatial and temporal discretisation steps, known as the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy (CFL) stability criterion. Due to the CFL condition the simulation of a large object with delicate geometry will require a high spatio-temporal resolution everywhere in the FDTD grid. Application of subgridding increases the efficiency of the FDTD method. Subgridding decomposes the simulation domain into several subdomains with different spatio-temporal resolutions. The research project described in this dissertation uses the Huygens Subgridding (HSG) method. The frequency dependence is included with the Auxiliary Differential Equation (ADE) approach based on the one-pole Debye relaxation model. The main contributions of this work are (i) extension of the one-dimensional (1D) frequency-dependent HSG method to three dimensions (3D), (ii) implementation of the frequency-dependent HSG method, termed the dispersive HSG, in Fortran 90, (iii) implementation of the radio environment setting from the PGM-files, (iv) simulation of the electromagnetic wave propagating from the defibrillator through the human torso and (v) analysis of the computational requirements of the dispersive HSG program.